Chapter 7

Since Felix showed no sign of stopping, Miranda had no choice but to sit back and follow along.

The black Rolls-Royce Phantom cut through the snowy night, eventually pulling into a private estate.

A doorman in a tailcoat stepped forward and opened the car door with a respectful bow.

Inside the mansion, they were guided through a lavish corridor before entering an intimate banquet hall. From the domed ceiling hung a three-tiered crystal chandelier, its prisms scattering light like stardust, casting a dazzling glow over the space.

By the rose-gold wine cabinet sat three young men. A bartender in a gray vest was mixing drinks for them.

“Felix! You made it,” one of the men greeted warmly, then noticed Miranda. “And this must be Mrs. Gibson. A pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Hello. I’m Miranda,” she replied.

“Welcome! Great to see you. I’m Hayden Harris—Felix’s good friend and tonight’s host,” he said with a smile that was both gracious and subtly admiring.

Miranda recognized the name. He was the second son of the Harris family, who owned one of the largest real estate empires in Corona.

The other two men rose to greet them as well. Felix introduced them in passing. Miranda didn’t recognize their names, but from their polished manners and quiet confidence, it was clear they came from powerful families.

“Felix, come here a sec,” Hayden said, throwing an arm around Felix’s shoulder and pulling him aside for a chat.

Meanwhile, a server approached Miranda. “Mrs. Gibson, would you prefer a cocktail or juice?”

“Juice, please,” Miranda answered.

Just then, four more guests entered—two couples. The pair in front had their arms linked like a married couple. Behind them trailed another man and woman. The man wore a tailored gray suit with effortless poise. At his side was none other than Xena.

Her black evening gown accentuated every curve of her figure. Draped over her shoulders was a royal purple shawl, and she wore a matching set of sparkling jewelry. She looked elegant, sensual, and undeniably glamorous.

The moment Xena saw Miranda, a flash of disbelief crossed her face. She hadn’t expected Felix to bring her here. But she quickly recovered, her lips curling into a smile full of veiled meaning.

The man beside Xena recognized Miranda and walked up with a friendly smile. “Mrs. Gibson, do you remember me?”

Miranda found him vaguely familiar but couldn’t place him.

“I’m Leo Lincoln. I attended your wedding with Felix. Ring any bells?”

She smiled politely. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Lincoln.”

Xena stepped forward, her voice soft. “Mrs. Gibson, what a surprise to see you here.”

Miranda pretended not to hear her and sipped her juice without responding. Xena’s smile stiffened, and she cast a faintly wounded look in Felix’s direction.

She had expected him to arrive alone tonight. Clearly, Miranda’s presence had ruined her evening.

Miranda had only just arrived, but she was already thinking about leaving. Watching how easily everyone greeted one another, it was clear they all moved in the same social circle.

“Why had Felix brought me here?

“To make me feel out of place?

“Or to let me witness, firsthand, his affair with Xena?” she wondered.

*

Just then, another group of guests entered, led in by a server. Miranda looked up curiously. In the very next moment, her gaze landed on a familiar face.

She froze. A wave of shock and delight rushed through her.

It was James Moore, a brilliant figure in Merika’s medical field—and her former upperclassman.

He wore a simple black suit, his tall frame refined and understated. The silver-rimmed glasses added to his scholarly air. He was deep in conversation with a middle-aged man when he suddenly seemed to sense someone watching.

His gaze swept the room and then stopped on her.

For a second, he looked surprised. Then a glimmer of warmth lit his expression. He murmured something to his companion, pushed up his glasses, and began walking toward her.

Miranda smiled.

“Mira,” he said warmly.

“James,” she greeted, struggling to hide her excitement. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Neither did I. What a surprise,” he said, his eyes scanning her face with quiet fondness. It had been nearly half a year since they last met.

Meanwhile, Felix finished talking with Hayden and headed their way—only to find another man chatting with Miranda, looking far too familiar.

His brows furrowed slightly.

Just then, a hand slipped around his wrist. It was Xena, glamorous and poised, blocking his path with a teasing smile.

“Why didn’t you answer my call earlier?”

Felix pulled his hand away without making a scene. “I’ll explain later.”

Xena gave a knowing smile and turned her gaze to the man talking to Miranda. He wasn’t someone she recognized—not part of their usual crowd.

Who was he? And why did he seem so close to Miranda?

Everyone here tonight was from the top of their fields.

How had a housewife who had spent years tucked away in the shadows managed to know someone like him?”